IRC is recognized as the primary advocacy and service organization for individuals with physical and sensory disabilities in Planning District Ten. Our mission is to equip disabled individuals with the skills to live as independently as they desire. We offer peer counseling, advocacy, assistance with affordable housing, discounted adaptive equipment, sign language classes, and educational demonstrations.

IRC is also noted for its innovative independent living skills programs which frequently utilize the center’s modern Training and Demonstration Facility. IRC, in cooperation with five local high school programs and two middle school programs, provides ILS training to students with disabilities as part of their weekly academic curriculum to prepare them to live independently upon graduation.

On our services page you can find a full list of ways we help individuals and the community. The resources page provides links to other helpful sites/institutions. If you have further questions, you can email any of our staff from the staff page, call us, or drop by.

History

The Independence Resource Center has been serving central Virginians with disabilities for over 35 years. Since 1985 IRC has worked to achieve its mission of “fostering a community environment in which people with disabilities can live as independently as they choose.” From increasing accessible and affordable housing stocks to expanding public transit options to ensuring accessible infrastructure, IRC has been a major force in creating both equitable options and an open environment for disabled individuals.